How to play darts? A comprehensive guide on how to throw darts, pick the right setup and get better at rising sport

But this is all personal preference. Often those starting darts will attempt to throw the dart in the manner of their heroes such as Phil Taylor for instance but it is often what suits a player naturally (see Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen who throw the dart based off natural rhythm).

This also lends itself to more bizarre throws such as Dennis Smith and even Mensur Suljovic. Both are done through either dartitis in the case of Suljovic meaning he needed to adapt his throw but also what suits the player in getting the dart to the target most effectively.

2. How to get better at darts

Getting better at darts is down to practice. The goal is to achieve a throw which can be replicated time and again. It is a continuous action from start to finish.

All of the elements from start to finish should be in unison and be able to be repeated and be natural.

Especially when you reach the level of playing tournaments and even to the extreme of playing on TV at Ally Pally for instance where the pressure ramps up and it needs to be replicated consistently.

3. How to aim darts

The first thing you have to do when throwing is how to aim the darts. Take your dart in your throwing hand and raise it to eye level. If you're right handed use the eye most dominant to your side so your right and left vice versa.

Position the dart to the side of your eye and point your elbow towards the dartboard. Shoulder, elbow and hand should all be aligned and you should be throwing at a 90 degree angle. Point the dart towards the target and aim towards the target rather than looking at the dart.

This can manifest itself in multiple ways. Gary Anderson for instance uses his eye in order to aim and brings his dart back, others such as Michael Smith, Adrian Lewis etc are more natural so while they bring it back, it is more of a quicker follow through.

4. How to release a dart

Now that the aim is there, it is time to release. Bring it back towards you and with a forward motion release the dart. You should release as you near the end of extending your arm forward.

Try to use your arm over your wrist but snap the wrist as you let go so that your arm finishes fully extended from elbow to hand. When throwing, it is important to maintain a relax composure and also to use the oche provided in order to throw from.

This while also using the prior tips provided and not using the throws of the greats to shape your own. Everyone is different but no matter what unless you are Richie Burnett or Mensur Suljovic, your body should remain still as possible in order to maximise your follow through on release.

5. How to pick the right equipment for darts?

Similar to playing darts, picking the right equipment is highly beneficial for darts.

Using darts just for player name aren't exactly the best play with the rise of equipment due to the Luke Littler effect meaning many plump for his darts instead of doing research.

Often darts shops will do tailor made sessions in their shops to find the best dart for the customer or often you can go along and test darts to see how they throw instead of getting something which does not fly as well due to being picked solely for the purpose of supporting your favourite player.